As a founding trustee of the New England Innocence Project and current Board Chair, it is with immense gratitude that I reach out to you today as we celebrate our 20th anniversary as a nonprofit organization.

Two decades ago, a small group of dedicated pro bono attorneys ─ from firms of every size, solo practitioners, and public defenders, as well as law professors and law students ─ came together with a shared vision: to help those wrongfully convicted in New England. Over the years, we've experienced triumphs and setbacks, once nearly having to close our doors for good. But thanks to the unwavering support of movement builders like you, our organization has grown tremendously. Together, we’ve built the biggest, strongest team the New England Innocence Project has ever seen and achieved a series of life-changing exonerations, reuniting innocent people with their families after decades lost in prison.

Over the coming year we’ll celebrate this occasion by reflecting back on our many successes (here are a few from 2023), share stories from those most impacted, acknowledge the progress we've made, and renew our commitment to the fight for freedom. We envision a New England where no one is ever wrongfully convicted. Fashioning that vision into reality, including finding, freeing, and making whole every wrongfully convicted person, demands dedication, collaboration, and strategic efforts every day. It takes all of us — a community, a movement — to create the change truly needed in the criminal legal system and we look forward to drawing on your strength to face the struggle and continue the work.

Thank you for being an integral part of the New England Innocence Project's journey over the past 20 years and for standing with us in this fight for individuals and for our communities.

We look forward to celebrating with you.

Most sincerely,

David Siegel
Board Chair, New England Innocence Project